139 Morn was surprised but explained to the
machine. "I believe there is an organic organism on board that is
attacking members of the crew. It uses the ventilation shafts to move
rapidly from one section to another. But it cannot enter a shaft
protected by a sterile field."
140 All eyes on the command deck were on Morn as he made this
statement. "I comprehend," continued the droid. "I think I can temporarily activate the systems from inside the sterile
fields, but it will not be controlled. They will be turned on, but be unajustable."
141 "That will be sufficient," agreed Morn. "Tell me, is there a robot
like you on the passenger pod?"
142 "Of course," acknowledged the robot. "All space vehicles are
equipped with at least one ventilation maintenence droid and we are NOT
robots!"
143 The Engineering Officer looked embarrassed, but Morn only smiled.
"I am corrected," he continued. "Can you communicate with the other
droid and have him do the same work in the pod?"
144 "Affirmative, Commander," answered the droid. "Shall I commence
immediately?"
145 "Affirmative!" Morn replied. "Keep a constant report on your
progress coming to this Officer."
146 "Understood," the droid replied. One of his mechanical arms
unfolded from his body and made the equivalent of it back in
a salute. Morn responded, and the droid put his arm position down and
disappeared into the hatch from which it came.
147 "Gentlemen," announced Morn, "what you heard me tell the
droid is strictly confidential. Am I understood?"
148 "Yes sir," the other Officers replied.
149 "I'm going down to sickbay," Morn continued.
150 Communications looked up. "Sir, the Number Two and Three
have just reported they're getting up."
151 "Someone put this readout board in the conference room," Morn
handed the board to the Communications Officer. "Have the Two and Three
shower and dress, and